An app that allows people with epilepsy to self-monitor their condition has won an international challenge, launched by the Epilepsy Foundation of America.
The EpSMon – for Epilepsy Self Monitor – app, which was developed by Plymouth University, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust and Oxfordshire-based charity SUDEP Action, won the $30,000 challenge to find a way of reducing the risk of seizures.
More than 300 participants registered for the challenge, which has the ultimate aim of preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP. The winning app is a digital version of a SUDEP and seizure safety checklist for clinicians.
It encourages people with epilepsy to check their condition and overall wellbeing every three months by answering a series of questions. It then flags up any changes or increasing risk that they need to be aware of, and if necessary advises them to see advice from a doctor.
Jane Hanna, the chief executive of SUDEP Action, which was founded ten years ago following the sudden death of her partner, Alan, said: “Bereaved families have been waiting for 20 years for this information to be available to help people reduce risk.”
The EpsMon project has been mainly funded by bereaved families, and has received particular support in the South West thanks to the support of the Kt’s Fund set up following the death of Katie Hallett, a young nurse. The app is free, and will be released for Android phones next Monday (14 March).
Craig Newman, a senior research fellow and mobile health tech innovations lead at Plymouth University Peninsular Schools of Medicine and Dentistry said: “We are pleased that not only is this app making a difference to people’s lives, but that it has been recognised for doing so. It is a true team effort.”